§ 8. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Chief Secretary the number of houses that have been destroyed by order of the Crown forces, and the number destroyed in unofficial reprisals during this month; and the number of persons killed during the last fortnight and the number of ex-service men killed or wounded by Crown forces or by other persons?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe number of houses destroyed by order of the Military Governor in the martial law area during the period 1st May to 25th May is 25. If by "unofficial reprisals" the Noble Lord means destruction by members of the Crown forces without orders, I know of no such cases. A number of cases of incendiarism have followed outrages upon members of the Crown forces, but although careful inquiry has been made no evidence implicating any members of the Crown forces has been forthcoming. As regards the last part of the question, 20 police, 8 military, and 40 civilian deaths were reported by the police during the fortnight ended 28th May. Nine assassinations and two attempted assassinations of ex-service men attributable to Sinn Fein were reported during the period. There were no cases of ex-service men killed or injured by Crown forces during that period.
27. Captain BENNasked the Prime Minister whether the policy of official reprisals has received the approval of the Cabinet?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe military have been authorised to take such action as is necessary and justified by our military code to suppress rebellion and to restore order.
Captain BENNDoes the right hon. Gentleman say that the burning of houses as reprisals is justified by the military code?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhat about South Africa?
§ 70. Mr. LUNNasked the Chief Secretary whether an inquiry has yet been held into the shooting on 9th May of a young man named Wynne, of Kilteevan, County Roscommon, who was killed in his house in the presence of his family; and whether any arrests have been made?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe Court of Inquiry in this case found death due to a gunshot wound inflicted by a member of the Crown forces in the execution of his duty. According to the military evidence a patrol which was searching for rebels found a bright light burning in this house at a late hour of the night and three men fully dressed were seen inside. It was decided to make an investigation. One of the men opened the door in response to a knock and the other two were ordered to put their hands up. Instead of doing so one of them blew out the light while the other made a dash for the inner door. A shot was thereupon fired and Michael Wynne was killed.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThis was the answer prepared for me—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!"]—for which I am responsible, and for which I take responsibility. I regret that the last part of the question was not answered, and I will see that it is answered.